Mothers have need of sharp eyes and discreet tongues when they have girls to manage.
 Louisa May Alcott, Little Women (1868). copy citation

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Author Louisa May Alcott
Source Little Women
Topic mother girl motherhood oversight
Date 1868
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/514/514-h/514-h.htm

Context

“I felt sure then that something better than what you call the 'mercenary spirit' had come over her, and a hint here and there in her letters made me suspect that love and Laurie would win the day."
"How sharp you are, Marmee, and how silent! You never said a word to me."
"Mothers have need of sharp eyes and discreet tongues when they have girls to manage. I was half afraid to put the idea into your head, lest you should write and congratulate them before the thing was settled."
"I'm not the scatterbrain I was. You may trust me. I'm sober and sensible enough for anyone's confidante now."” source

Meaning and analysis

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